Google My Business
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|
|---|---|
| Business Directory | |
| operator | Google LLC |
| items | Google My Business |
| Registration | Google account |
| On-line | June 2014 |
Google My Business is a platform or interface provided by Google that bundles various group services and enables users to access them directly using a dashboard. These include Google Analytics and YouTube , among others . In particular, companies are given the opportunity to edit and manage existing entries in the Google Maps map service or to add new locations. Since these entries are often displayed directly in Google search, a presence there is important for companies and at the same time a free advertising opportunity. For most businesses, Google creates these entries automatically. With the Google My Business service, ownership can be claimed and the representation of the company in Google search and Google Maps can be influenced.
Functions
In order for a company that operates on a local level and would like to be found there to qualify for an entry there, it must have personal contact with customers. There is only an exception for ATMs, video libraries and packing stations. A company must therefore be available to customers on site or supply its customers. Like pizza delivery services, bakeries can create an entry for their company on Google My Business, while this platform is not suitable for online shops without local accessibility. Google checks the seriousness of the entries made, among other things, by sending a postcard containing a confirmation code to be entered and, if there are any doubts, by a control call.
The entry gives the company a public presence on Google and Google Maps . Companies can enter their opening times, their industry or at least one category, company images, their logo, their address and contact options in the entry. The categories are specified by Google and cannot be assigned by yourself. The categories sometimes seem strange (e.g. "capsule hotel") and are probably valid worldwide. Unfortunately, Google does not have an official list of the categories, there are only unofficial lists of categories. The entry can be made directly on the corresponding Google website. Various marketing agencies specialize in making these entries for customers. Google does not charge any fees for listing, using, and managing listings on Google My Business.
When creating the entry, the guidelines issued by Google must be observed. In the event of non-compliance with these guidelines, Google reserves the right to block the business listing or the Google account.
The advantage of an officially confirmed Google My Business entry for local companies is that interested parties can see all the necessary contact details at first glance when they enter the company name in the Google search without having to visit the company's website. Since the search via mobile devices such as smartphones has increased significantly and users can see the company's local entry directly at this level, they can quickly and easily call up directions or contact the company by phone. In addition, the display of images gives interested parties a better first impression of the company.
Google My Business is particularly relevant to local businesses because Google detects the intent of local searches and often displays a selection of local search results before showing the organic search results. In addition, Google can recognize the location of a user based on the IP address and thus for search queries with local intent, e.g. B. for "Italian restaurant", deliver suitable results that are close to the searcher.
The "Statistics" area, which is also available free of charge in Google My Business, is also very interesting for companies, as they receive information on how exactly the users got to the entry in the corresponding periods of time and what actions (phone calls, calls to web descriptions, etc.) they do there and how the company compares to other companies in the industry in terms of image views.
Google My Business has been offering a service for creating a free mini website for companies since April 2017. The page can be assigned its own domain and is responsive.
New since June 2017 is the ability to create and post articles that are displayed directly in Google search and also in Google Maps. This free advertising opportunity generates additional attention.
A new part of the My Business area are paid ads, which are currently only displayed on mobile devices.
The changes to the content of the Google My Business entries can be carried out by verified owners. Furthermore, participants of the free Google Local Guides program have the opportunity to make suggestions for improvement, e.g. B. to be submitted regarding opening times.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Google My Business | Blog article. Phillipp Jansegers | Sensational Marketing, September 15, 2017, accessed on February 28, 2018 (German).
- ↑ a b Guidelines for Showing Your Business on Google - Google My Business Help. In: support.google.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016 .
- ↑ Enter verification code - Google My Business Help. In: support.google.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016 .
- ↑ Jens Minor: Google My Business: Companies are verified with control calls - GWB . In: GoogleWatchBlog . January 11, 2015 ( googlewatchblog.de [accessed December 6, 2016]).
- ↑ Google My Business - Be Found. In: www.google.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016 .
- ↑ All 2977 Google My Business Categories - The ultimate tip for local SEO and more, free reach. Accessed April 30, 2020 .
- ↑ Google My Business FAQ. In: www.google.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016 .
- ↑ How Google uses business information - Google My Business Help. In: support.google.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016 .
- ↑ heise online: Mobile Internet use continues to advance. Retrieved on February 28, 2018 (German).
- ↑ Improve the ranking of local search results on Google - Google My Business Help. In: support.google.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016 .
- ↑ Create a free website on Google My Business. In: www.google.com. Retrieved June 29, 2017 .